But Steve McClaren claimed the first half was ‘perfect’ and there was disappointment on Tyneside at referee Bobby Madley, who sent off Fabricio Coloccini just before half-time in a decision that changed the course of a powder-keg match.

So was it a case of United being poor? Or were they hard done by on a day of misery on Wearside?

Here are Lee Ryder’s match marks for the defeat at Sunderland.

Time Line

Sunderland 3-0 Newcastle: Lee Ryder's ratings

Rob ELLIOT 4

Should have been quicker off his line to help out Coloccini on unconvincing afternoon

Daryl JANMAAT 7

Didn’t shirk a single tackle as he kept Lens relatively quiet

Chancel MBEMBA 6

Left with a big job to do when Coloccini was sent off

Fabricio COLOCCINI 5

Red card can be deemed harsh, but put himself in an awkward position

Paul DUMMETT 6

Some crunching derby-day tackles, but will be hurting badly after this defeat

Moussa SISSOKO 6

Caused Sunderland a lot of problems in the first half but couldn’t find a breakthrough on the day

Cheick TIOTE 5

Another yellow card meant he was treading a fine line for most of first half before inevitable half-time hooking

Jack COLBACK 6

Not a great day for Geordie after being hit with injury on return to old club following Cattermole tackle

Gini WIJNALDUM 7

Offers Newcastle plenty going forward, denied by two good saves from Pantilimon